Nothing new here but thought some might find it useful to see step by step pictures on how to make a gathered end hammock. Use 3-4 yards of material, depending on how tall you are. I'm 6'2" and started with 11'6" of 1.9oz ripstop from Speer.
The whipping method comes from the Warbonnet hammocks and I learned it from others on the forum. I've changed the ridgeline a bit. On a Warbonnet it runs thru the whipped hammock ends. I wanted the ridgeline to be removable so I could play with different lengths. Mine is just a line of 2.2mm Zing-It (or is it Lash-It?) with eye splices at each end thru which the suspension gets run. Suspension is 7/64" Amsteel Blue.
Thanks, Ron...what are the diminsions on your creation?
03-08-2010, 08:31
Just Jeff
The WBBB ridgeline has a loop tied into each end. The whole loop goes thru the whipping, then the support goes thru the RL's loop before it attaches to the hammock. So the RL will break before it pulls out of the whipping...and that's not likely.
Good idea to post an instructional vid on this for newbies!
03-08-2010, 09:24
Knotty
Dave - Finished size is 134 x 58". Ridgeline is 108".
Jeff - I'll edit my original post to reflect what you said.
03-08-2010, 10:00
patermagnus
Your whopie sling suspension is attached to the hammock through the fixed end. I did the same thing on the hammock I made this weekend, but I have the hammock above the amsteel and you have the amsteel coming off above the hammock. Do you think this makes any difference or is it personal preference?
03-08-2010, 10:41
Knotty
Good question patermagnus. I did it this way because of how the ridgeline is attached. Don't know if it makes any difference.
03-08-2010, 11:38
SmokeBait
Great video Knotty. Wish I would have had that on my first DIY hammock build. I accomplished the same thing but having all that in one area would have made it easier. Thanks!
stumo
03-08-2010, 11:38
Hawk-eye
I've got my whoopee's fixed end going through the channel twice and then through the whole thing through the eye. Pretty much did that because that's how the ENO's line was fixed on it originally. So I don't have the extra wrapping through the channel and the whoopee lashed around the resulting knot. Seems to work well ... you see any potential problems with the way I've got mine rigged up?
03-08-2010, 11:42
angrysparrow
Good work Knotty.
I'm going to stick this thread, for reference by newcomers.
03-08-2010, 12:24
Knotty
Quote:
Originally Posted by stumo
Great video Knotty. Wish I would have had that on my first DIY hammock build. I accomplished the same thing but having all that in one area would have made it easier. Thanks!
stumo
Everyone always talked about how easy and cheap it is to make a hammock but as a newbie I just couldn't visualize the whole thing. That's why I documented this one. I probably should add some links to the whoopie sling videos to make it even easier on newbies.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawk-eye
I've got my whoopee's fixed end going through the channel twice and then through the whole thing through the eye. Pretty much did that because that's how the ENO's line was fixed on it originally. So I don't have the extra wrapping through the channel and the whoopee lashed around the resulting knot. Seems to work well ... you see any potential problems with the way I've got mine rigged up?
That's like the standard end channel whipping method. I think the Warbonnet method is more secure as it doesn't depend on the strength of any stitching and more evenly distributes the load on the ripstop.
Quote:
Originally Posted by angrysparrow
Good work Knotty.
I'm going to stick this thread, for reference by newcomers.
Thanks AS.
03-08-2010, 12:33
Hawk-eye
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knotty
... That's like the standard end channel whipping method. I think the Warbonnet method is more secure as it doesn't depend on the strength of any stitching and more evenly distributes the load on the ripstop..
From the way it cinches up ... there's really no load on the stiches at all that I can see ... the double loop bascially locks up a ball of fabric and all the pressure is in that cluster. They have three rows of stitches on the ENO that I have and I did that on my DIY ... but now wonder if it was worth it ... since I'm not seeing the least amount of pull on the line of stitches. Oh well .. all very interesting.
Thanks
03-09-2010, 23:37
plowhorse
knotty I changed over one of my son's kalisto hammocks to the warbonnet whip. I could definately tell the difference in the lay of the hammock body. nice video for the newcommers around here.
03-10-2010, 00:36
MedicineMan
Knotty--I followed the links to your Picasa album and found the pics from your AT hike Culvers to DWG-nice! and brought back recent memories of last October..I thought the rocks around Sunfish Pond were worse than anything in PA :)
Also, the pictorial on making the hammock again makes me think I could actually make one. Thanks for the sticky
03-10-2010, 11:24
TZBrown
Very good detail on the video. It should answer a lot of questions. Simple and efficient, I like it.
03-12-2010, 18:05
clearskyblue
Nice to see all this info in a clear concise way and though I have already made 3 or so diy hammocks Im gonna try this now .Well you have to eh ....Thankyou Knotty.Good stuff.
03-13-2010, 11:02
Knotty
Thanks everyone. Since I can't be entertaining like Shug I just tried to do something that was to the point and hopefully easy to understand.
MedicineMan - Yup, those rocks around Sunfish Pond are brutal. Glad it didn't go on that way for too long.
03-13-2010, 15:46
Pipsissewa
Thanks for the good video, Ron. I'm wonder whether sewing the short ends in an arcing shape would result in a tightening of the hammock's edges when it's hung... Has anyone ever tried this? Francesca
03-14-2010, 09:31
OrionFyre
Quote:
Originally Posted by francescaloves2hike
Thanks for the good video, Ron. I'm wonder whether sewing the short ends in an arcing shape would result in a tightening of the hammock's edges when it's hung... Has anyone ever tried this? Francesca
Francesca. I did just that. The first hammock I made was one for the boyfriend and he said he wanted the side of the hammock to be taut to sort of envelope him. I made an arc on each end that passed 5 inches down from the corners.
I used the 1.1oz material and am myself a big guy so I didn't test it myself but when I strung it up and he plopped in it practically snapped shut around him like a giant snapping turtle! :scared:
If you do it I wouldn't suggest much more than 2-3". I was going to re-do the beau's but he proclaimed that he loved it.
03-14-2010, 09:46
Pipsissewa
Good to know, OrionFyre
Thanks for the info. Yeah, I figured--from past experience and from Ron's instructional video--that about 2 inches in on each side would be about all it would take. Maybe even a straight across seam with just a little dive at the ends would be the ticket. I'm glad your beau likes his hammock though. I can just imagine him wrapped up like an enchalada! But, hey. If he likes it, you love it, right? I do not like floppy sides on my hammock either, but I don't know about being wrapped up in it! Happy camping!
03-14-2010, 17:59
jeffjenn
Quote:
Originally Posted by francescaloves2hike
Thanks for the good video, Ron. I'm wonder whether sewing the short ends in an arcing shape would result in a tightening of the hammock's edges when it's hung... Has anyone ever tried this? Francesca
This can also make it harder to get out of if you do too much arc.
03-15-2010, 07:44
Knotty
Quote:
Originally Posted by francescaloves2hike
Thanks for the good video, Ron. I'm wonder whether sewing the short ends in an arcing shape would result in a tightening of the hammock's edges when it's hung... Has anyone ever tried this? Francesca
Hey Knotty,
Thanks for the instructions! I undid (is that a word?) the old whipping and replaced it per your video and added a whoopie sling ridgeline for adjustability! What a difference it makes in lay! AND I've got the RL running through the whipping. I thought it might not adjust as well, but so far I can't see any problems with it! All that to say, GREAT JOB on the tutorial!
cwayman1
-- the RL is made form 2.2mm Zing-it and after working with that for a while, my 7/64 Amsteel seems HUGE!
thanks again!
03-16-2010, 08:21
RePete
Knotty you showed in your video that your ridgeline is about 83% of the hammock length. Is the ridge line very tight when you are in the hammock? Is it possible to get it too tight? I have not played with a structural ridgeline yet so it got me thinking when you gave the length a number. I understand that the length is personal preference for comfort but I just want to make sure when I do try it I am not doing something potentially damaging to my hammock.
03-16-2010, 19:48
Knotty
As long as the ridgeline is made from a strong enough material there should be no problem with it being tight. To me it's a design flaw if your hammock has to have a lot of slack in the ridgeline but not everyone agrees. A ridgeline that can be tight allows greater flexibility in how the hammock can be hung.
The 83% number came from the forum and I ran with it.
03-17-2010, 08:12
RePete
Thanks Knotty. Ill have to experiment with it and if I like it ill probably make a WS ridgeline. Probably a little overkill with dynaglide but strength wont be an issue.
03-17-2010, 11:44
Knotty
The dynaglide is light weight so there's no penalty to having a super strong ridgeline made from it.
03-28-2010, 16:53
Kanguru
Similar...
I use the same technique and to get Speer type raised sides without sewing the top together like a Hennessy I modified the ends before creating the end cord channel seams. Looking at the top of the flat hammock blank after side hems but before end hems I measure down the side 2 or 3 inches and across on the end 4 to 6 inches. Draw a line and cut off these end triangles before creating the end seam/cord channel. This simulates pulling out some of the side seam material after gathering as done by Ed and JustJeff before knotting or whipping the ends. Once you get the desired side lift you can repeat the result every time. I found that down 2 inches and across 4 inches are the results I like. I left the ends of the gathering cord long and tied them into a loop. I don't use a structural ridgeline but is is a good way to attach my bugnet or sock support cord with mini biners.
Thanks for the great video.
03-30-2010, 07:37
Knotty
Thanks Kanguru. I'll probably give that a try on my next DIY to see how it compares.
04-02-2010, 14:33
GaHammockGuy
Knotty
I am working on a hammock now (pics and videos once I finish) and I ran my suspension (whoopie Sling) through the channel and lark headed the end of tha hammock.
Where you ran a lenght of rope through the channel, and THEN attached your suspension just below the whipping.
I am wondering if the way I did it (now that I have seen another way) is if the whoopie sling will wear on the channel and weaken the hammock and the channel and end up with my falling on my arse in the middle of the night. HMMMMM dont want that to happen.
What are your thoughts? I may whip it first and THEN attach my sling.
04-03-2010, 19:32
Knotty
Sounds like you're using a standard end channel method. A lot of people have used that with good result but there have been some who had failures.
I think the method I show would be more secure but I guess that's debatable. The main reason I used it was because everyone on the forum raves about the Warbonnet hammocks and how comfortable they are so that's what I copied. Someone else who owns a Blackbird posted instructions and I just expanded on it.
04-29-2010, 21:49
fuzzie
Nice video!
Our troop has a bunch of old tarps. Think they might make suitable hammocks?
I think I can cut them in half, and get two out each of them.
Is the structural ridgeline needed? Or can I just use the gathered ends, like my ENO Doublenest?
Thanks!
04-29-2010, 22:14
Knotty
Thanks fuzzie.
Tarps are waterproof and the conventional wisdom is not to use fabrics that don't breath for a hammock. However, JustJeff is currently challenging that idea. Personally I'd recommend finding some cheap ripstop and using that.
The structural ridgeline is not needed. It just makes it a lot easier to create a consistent hang.
Good luck!
04-30-2010, 22:37
fuzzie
Gotcha! Good advice. Bought 3.3 yards of ripstop and made one in an hour...son is sleeping in it as I type (at cub camp)!
Photos tomorrow...it's a little dark right now!
05-06-2010, 00:26
Knotty
Quote:
Originally Posted by fuzzie
Gotcha! Good advice. Bought 3.3 yards of ripstop and made one in an hour...son is sleeping in it as I type (at cub camp)!
Photos tomorrow...it's a little dark right now!
Let's see those pics fuzzie.
05-13-2010, 14:14
WVassello
Bugnet for the gathered end hammock
Knotty,
I duplicated your gathered end hammock last night, and was all set to put a bugnet onto it, when my carefully thought out plans went to mush. I must have been flawed in my picture of the bugnet shape to get the result I was looking for (a Clark style bugnet that has a zipper in a U shape).
What type of bugnet did you use for this type of hammock?
And is there so much slack in the hammock sides, that a bugnet attached to the side seems would be always loose?
I'm half way into it, but I think tonight I have to rip it all apart and rethink this bugnet plan.
05-13-2010, 23:29
Knotty
Wish I could help you there friend but I haven't added a bug net to this hammock. Like you, I just can't decide what approach to take. I'm leaning towards a detached net with an elasticized bottom opening.
05-14-2010, 00:29
Running Feather
I've been using the "Curtain method" since I got away from the claustrophobic enclosure deal. For short hikes - a 10x12 'curtain' over the ridgeline with 2 grip-clips on each end. For longer hikes a 5x12 'curtain' hung over structural RL. I don't worry about closing off the bottom. Fortunately bugs are heat seekers and are not smart enough to go down, under, up and over, to get to people.
The beauty - just slide the 'curtain' away when not needed.
The downside - 2 to 3 oz weight penalty for 10x12
Ease of use + freedom +/- weight penalty = Winner!
05-18-2010, 01:41
WVassello
modified gathered end
Knotty,
After my bugnet setback, I started to rethink the base hammock all together.
11'6" is a bit big for a single hammock (think I'll be in the 9'-9'6" range), not to mention the bugnet and tarp that I will need for it. So that got me thinking about the gathered end as well. I played around with gathering the end in different styles, and found that I while I pulled the ends a little to take up the slack on the sides, I could pull up the middle to give me a little shorter centerline. This has the effect of creating side pockets like the "W" fold and whip. I took that idea and modified the gathered end channel to match my new shape. Even though I am test bedding on an 8' hammock, it was flat and comfortable and better than the other styles I have tried so far.
I am going to tweak the dimensions a little and then apply this new end to the hammock I was in the middle of when this all started.
Ever used this technique for the channel style ends?
05-18-2010, 18:27
Knotty
Quote:
Originally Posted by WVassello
Knotty,
After my bugnet setback, I started to rethink the base hammock all together.
11'6" is a bit big for a single hammock (think I'll be in the 9'-9'6" range), not to mention the bugnet and tarp that I will need for it. So that got me thinking about the gathered end as well. I played around with gathering the end in different styles, and found that I while I pulled the ends a little to take up the slack on the sides, I could pull up the middle to give me a little shorter centerline. This has the effect of creating side pockets like the "W" fold and whip. I took that idea and modified the gathered end channel to match my new shape. Even though I am test bedding on an 8' hammock, it was flat and comfortable and better than the other styles I have tried so far.
I am going to tweak the dimensions a little and then apply this new end to the hammock I was in the middle of when this all started.
Ever used this technique for the channel style ends?
I'm a tall guys, so I like long hammocks but not everyone needs them.
Never tried the whipping your suggesting. Maybe you could post some pics or a sketch/diagram?
05-19-2010, 06:40
WVassello
Results from new gather
I'll post pics soon. Just tested a few lengths last night. I can snap a few pics when I put it together for real.
I am not that tall (5'7"). So I can save some material weight and bulk. But I'm wondering if the additional space isn't a good place to put gear. Does anyone skip the gear hammock and just pull the pack into the hammock? Maybe hang it off a loop near the end like the ridgeline attachment.
05-21-2010, 15:10
WVassello
4 Attachment(s)
Pics of the modified gathered end
Here are some pics of the mods I did to tighten the sides and to create "pockets" on either side of the center for shoulder relief and foot space. I will have some more pics when I get a chance to hang it and take a well deserved nap.
05-23-2010, 11:52
Boris Losdindawoods
Quote:
Originally Posted by WVassello
Does anyone skip the gear hammock and just pull the pack into the hammock? Maybe hang it off a loop near the end like the ridgeline attachment.
I do this when I'm using my DIY hammock. Not as much room in the Hennessy but still possible. With the DIY, I just use an s-biner to clip the pack to the suspension and let it sit on the foot end of the hammock. I can scaffle around inside the pack just by sitting up in the hammock. Having the pack in the hammock only really works because the hammock is huge. It's 12' long. :o It just barely fits under the big Guide Gear tarp and I LOVE IT! It's ridiculously comfy.
I also have open nacrabiners threaded through the whipping at each end on both hammocks. I can hook them to the suspension and hang things from them inside the hammock if needed. That's the way I have to do it with the Hennessy because of the bugnet.
Boris
05-23-2010, 11:58
Knotty
Quote:
Originally Posted by WVassello
Here are some pics of the mods I did to tighten the sides and to create "pockets" on either side of the center for shoulder relief and foot space. I will have some more pics when I get a chance to hang it and take a well deserved nap.
Can you explain what's being shown in the pics? In pic #3 is the end channel of the hammock on the left? If yes, then it looks like you have made the ends narrower than the sides? Not sure if others have tried this. I thought the more common approach to tighten the sides was to leave the end channel full length but cut it with curved ends instead of straight.
05-31-2010, 21:39
WVassello
pic descripts
Sorry about the delay in reply. I have not been checking in lately.
The shape ends up being like 2 humps. This has the effect of pulling in the sides and the middle a little tighter. This gives you a little bit of slack on either side of the middle. Kind of like the "W" whip but using the gathered end method.
My first shots at the mods. Seems to be working out well so far.
06-08-2010, 08:53
TDFbound
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knotty
Finished size is 134 x 58". Ridgeline is 108".
How is that length for you? I am about to start a hammock project, but am trying to figure out what length of material to use and a good ridgeline dimension. I have only slept in a Hennessy, and it was OK, but felt a little short for me, like it was too saggy? I was more bowed up than I would have liked, with too much elevation for my feet. I am 6'4" and just want to sleep relatively flat. Would appreciate any help from you, or any other folks that read this!
06-08-2010, 09:10
KerMegan
the general consensus is your height plus 2 or 3 feet-on each end; but with a diagonal lay (to enhance flatness) you might need a bit less. I suggest 4 yards of a decent weight nylon or poly material- whatever you can pick up for cheap will suffice for testing purposes, and try the knotted end or lashed sheet bend (?) technique to see if it is better (no sewing required!). if that is too big/heavy/loose or whatever, it is easier to move the knot/lashing than to rip out and resew channels.
hope this helps! KM
06-08-2010, 09:43
Frawg
Another fitting trick, before doing any sewing, is to start with an overlong length of fabric. Slip each hammock end through a ring (think napkin ring) before tying the end knots. You can adjust the effective length of the hammock by moving the rings in or out, then take the measurement once you find a length that works for you.
How is that length for you? I am about to start a hammock project, but am trying to figure out what length of material to use and a good ridgeline dimension. I have only slept in a Hennessy, and it was OK, but felt a little short for me, like it was too saggy? I was more bowed up than I would have liked, with too much elevation for my feet. I am 6'4" and just want to sleep relatively flat. Would appreciate any help from you, or any other folks that read this!
I'm 6'2" and that hammock is a great fit. I think even with the 2" you have on me you'd be comfortable in it as well.
When in doubt, go long. You can always remove material but you can't add it.
06-19-2010, 13:49
GvilleDave
Knotty - Thanks a ton for the instructions and video! I just took the maiden hang in my first DIY hammock. Three weeks ago I bought an old sewing machine practiced on a few stuff sack, then progressed to a Jerry chair and now your hammock.
I am now officially hooked on the MYOG thing...
By the way mine is made from one layer of some very light poly ripstop that I grabbed at WW. I am 6'2" & 260# and the hammock holds me just fine. Here's a pic of the fabric:
This one shows the connection of the ridgeline to the suspension. I reused my old WBBB suspension that I replaced with whoopie slings - it was already made up and looked lonely sitting a gear box in the basement... I ran the ridgeline through the hole in the gathered end and then passed the suspension lines through the loop in the ridgeline before I secured to larkshead. I may change that so that the ridge does not go through the gathered end and just attaches to the suspension. The way I have it now keeps me from hanging stuff on the gathered ball (UQ suspension, stuff sacks, etc...).
[IMG]http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...0214_thumb.jpg[/IMG]
Here is my guinea pig testing the weight holding capacity of this super light WM fabric. I started with 82# son, then ???# wife, then 260# self and was shocked that it held me great, no stress or damage at all. There was some stretch when I got in but not much. I am shocked this stuff held me. I really built this thinking that for $6 in fabric it would be good sewing practice, which it was. But this stuff is amazingly strong and so light the slightest breeze caused the fabric to lift when empty.
[IMG]http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...0215_thumb.jpg[/IMG]